Sheet assembling apparatus



March 31, 1942. R. F. MORRISON SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. l5, 1940 7 SheeLs-Shee'fI 1 March 3l, 1942. R. F. MORRISON SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed Jan, l5,4 1940 7 Sheets-Shelf:I 2

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March 3l, 1942.` R MORRlsoN 2,277,924

SHEET AS SEMBLIGV APPARATUS Filed Jan. l5, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheefl 5 March 3l, 1942. l R. F. MORRISON 2,277,924

` SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. l5, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ll Lrl Z u ft.; 125 768 1X5 /Z M5' l' l jg4 Z5 l l@ A O f7 f/g /zf o /74/- 723g; /Z u y /7 fag Q March 31, 1942. v R. F. MORRISON 2,277,924

n SHEET SSEMBLING APPARATUS I Filed Jan. 15, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Niarch 31, 1942. R F, MORRlsON A 2,277,924

SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Filled Jan. 15, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 M25# l ff /0 V March 31, 1942. R. F MORRSON 2,277,924

SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARTUS Filed Jan. 15, 1940 7 sheets-sheet 'I faz-NE Patented Mar. 3l, 1942 UNITED -srirrss PATENT OFFICE SHEET ASSEMBLING APPARATUS Robert F. Morrison, Oak Park, Ill., assignor to Ditto, Incorporated, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of West Virginia Application January 15, 1940, serial No. 313,978

' (c1. sas- 1) l 17 Claims.

The present invention relates to sheet assembling devices, and more particularly to means for controlling the number of sheets in each assembly. My invention is particularly adapted for use in connection with that type of sheet assembling device wherein, as each sheet is fed into Aface'to face relationship with an adjacent sheet,

it is secured at one edge to the immediately preceding sheet. 'I'he controlling means comprises generally a timing device adapted to actuate suitable mechanism whereby the sheet securing operation is omitted at predetermined intervals with the result that an assembly otherwise having an indefinitely great number of sheets is broken up into a plurality of assemblies each 'having a predetermined number of sheets.

are -secured to one another by means of an adhesve substance. The mechanism shown is adapted to assemble sheets in groups so that a portion of each sheet adjacent to one edge is exposed to receive the legend, the remainder of the surface of each sheet, exceptl the top sheet, being covered.

However, it is understood that my invention is not limited to this particular type of machine shown. For instance, it may be equally well applied to a machine for assembling sheets in the form of a booklet, that is, wherein the sheets are not offset from one another. My invention may also be used in connection with `a machine wherein the sheets are secured to one another by means other than the adhesive securing means herein shown.

The features and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully as the description proceedsreference being had to the accompanyng drawings wherein a preferred form of the invention is shown; f In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a view tion;

Fig. 2 is a viewin side elevation of the machine showing the 'side opposite from that shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken through the upper part of the machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4A is' a fragmentary enlarged elevation of a portion of the machine;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged elevation similar to Fig. 4,*but showing the parts'in a changed position;

Fig. 6 is a section taken along line 6.6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a section taken along line sL-'lioi Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a `fragmentary enlarged elevation similar to the viewl shown in Fig. 4 except for the fact that certain interchangeable parts have been substituted for the corresponding parts shown in Fig, 4;

Fig. 9 is a section taken along line 9--9 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 10'is a wiring diagram of the controlling device;

Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating a group of sheets arranged in overlapping relation, and Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken onthe lin I2-I2 of Fig. 11. v Referring now in detail to the drawings, the

present invention is embodied in a machine of the type described wherein the numerals I0 and I I indicate two frames which support the several operating elements of the machine.y 'Ihe side frames 'I0 and II have bases I2 and I3 which are adapted lto be mounted upon any suitable support. The side frames I 0 and II are connected together by a plurality of cross tie rods such as those indicated'at Il and I5 in Figs. 1 and 2.

The machine comprises a sheet stack holding and advancing mechanism I6, one end of which f is supported by the side frames III and I land the other end of which is supported by a suitable standard I1. The machine also comprises a sheet transfer device I8 which is rotatably mounted in the side frames I0 and II. A device for applying means to `attach one sheet to another is illustrated generally-by the numeral I9 and comprises an adhesive applying mechanism. A spacing device 20 is arranged properly to space S the sheets as they leave the transfer device Il so in side elevas. tion of a machine embodying the present inven-v 'that they overlap the desired amount. The

overlapped sheets are then pressed together by a roller 2l and adrum 22, which successively engage the surface of the spacing device 2li. The

details of the operating mechanism for the `devices hereinbefore mentioned are fully' `setio'rth vwith relation to the side frames.

inthe abovementioned co-pendlng application. Only a general description of theelements above mentioned. to show their relation Vto the controlling device, is set forth herein.

The sheet feeding device il comprisesA-theside frames 23 which have a track in the form of a l groove 24 formed therein. A carriage 23 is provided with rollers 25 which cooperate with the groove 24 so that the carriage may freely move .A pressure plate 21 is suitably mounted on the carriage. A stack of paper is indicated at 23, which stack rests on suitable guides 29, as shown in Fig. 3. A sprocket chain I0 is secured to the carriage and extends over sprockets 3| and 32 and thence downwardly. A counter-balancing weight 33 is secured to the lower end of the sprocket chain. A suitable driving mechanism for the sprocket chain isv indicated at 34, and a link is associated with the driving mechanism 34 for the actuation thereof. The position of the 4carriage is controlled by the driving mechanism 34.

The sheet transfer device iB, as shown in Fig. 3, comprises a plurality of rotatable elements 36, which are in the form of sectional drums. Fig.

, 3 is a section `taken through one of the drums or rotatable elements which is shown mounted on a shaft 31 and secured thereto by means of keys 33. A pair of passageways 35 extends outwardly from the center of drum 33 tothe periphery,

and a corresponding pair of passageways are oppositely disposed to the passageways 38. Semi-annular passageways 4l and 42 are formed between the shaft and the inner cylindrical surface of the drum, these passageways being in communication with the pasageways 39 and 40 respectively. The shaft 31 is drilled to provide longitudinal passages 43 and 44 therein. A suitable transverse connecting passage 45 is formed in the shaft 31 to provide communicationbetween the passage 43 and passageways 4I and 39; a similar transverse connecting passage 4B provides communication between the passage 44 and passageways 42 and 4U.

Sheet separating means are provided which are in the form of one or more blower nozzles 41 suitably mounted on a bracket 43. A spring retaining member 49 is suitably mounted on the framework of the machine in such a manner that the lower portion thereof contacts 'the upper edges vof the few sheets in the stack 28 which are positioned close to the sheet transferf'means I8. A stop member 50 in the form of a transverse bar engages the lower portion of the end sheet of the stack il. p

It will be seen that the pressure plate 21 urges the stack against the stop member 50. The blower nozzle 41 is connected to a suitable source of high pressure and serves to separate the upper edges of the few end sheets of the stack substan tially as shown in Fig. 3. 'I'he end sheet is blown over against the rotatable elements 33. The passages 43 and 44 are connected to a suitable source of subatmospheric pressure at predetermined intervals. For instance, in the position of the parts as shown in Fig, 3, the passage 43 is connected to said source and the suction draws the upper portion of the end sheet into contact with the rotatable element in such a manner that as this element 3S rotates, it will disengage the end sheet from the stack and from the stop mem ber 5U and carry the sheet with it as it rotates. The spring retaining member 49 prevents inci-`l dental displacement or removal of the adjacent,"l sheets while the end sheet is being removed from the stack. The spring retaining member 43 is sufficiently weak so that it will not prevent the .end sheet from being carried upwardly when it is held to the surface of the drum by the suction means above mentioned.

It will be seen that two sheets are transferred or removed for each single rotation of the ro- -tatable elements or sectional drums 35. The source of subatmospheric pressure may be disconnected from the respective passages 43and 44 at suitable intervals to facilitate removal of the sheet from the rotatable elements at the proper time.

An adhesive applying roller 5l is shown in elevation in Fig. 3, this' roller being of comparatively narrow width, inasmuch as it is desired to apply only a narrow strip of adhesive to each sheet. This roller is mounted on and secured to a shaft 52 and is provided with a cut-away portion of its periphery 53. An intermediate roller 54 contacts the roller 5i, the intermediate roller being mounted on and secured to a shaft 55. A supply roller 56 is mounted on and secured to a shaft 51 in such a manner that one portion of the roller contacts the intermediate roller 54 and another portion extends into a container and is immersed in an adhesive substance 59 which is located in the container.

The sides of the container may be extended to provide journals for mounting the shafts 52, 55 and 51. Gears Bil, 6| and 62 are provided for each of the shafts 52, 55 and 51 respectively, these gears meshing with eachother 5o that the rollers may be driven at the desired speed ratlos. The container is provided with a saddle portion il which cooperates with a sleeve 64 which is secured to a drive shaft 65. A gear 86 is mounted on and secured to the shaft and meshes with the gear Gl by means of which the three rollers are driven. A suitable retaining means such as the bolt $1 is mounted in the lower portion of the container. the bolt having a ball bearing il at one end which is adapted to Contact the sleeve 64. The retaining means-prevents removal of the container and associated parts which make up the adhesive applying means l 9 from the drive shaft or "the sleeve which pivotally supports the entire assembly. It will be seen that in its nor mal position, as shown in Fig. 3, each cycle of operation of the adhesive applying roller 5| includes an active and a passive phase, the active i phase comprising that portion of the cycle wherein the roller contacts the sheet carried by the rotatable elements 3B, and the passive phase being that portion of its cycle wherein the cut away portion 53 of the adhesive applying roller is opposite the rotatable elements 36. 'I'hecut away portion 53 and the passive phase are provided so that adhesive will not be applied to the surface of the rotatable element during those times at which a sheet of paper is not positioned directly beneath the adhesive'applylng roller 5i. Furthermore, this construction is used so that a strip of adhesive ofa predetermined length, which may be shorter than the length of the sheet, may be applied to the sheet.

'I'he adhesive applying means I9 is pivotally mounted so that the means as a whole may be rendered inoperative by rotating it in clockwise direction from the position shown in Fig. 3. This rotation or tilting may occur during the. passive phase of the cycle of operation so that the length of the strip of adhesive is not dependent upon closely timed operation of the tilting or rotating means, which will be hereinafter described.

, other.

The spacing means 28 comprises a suitable rubber roller 15 which may be in the forni of a plurality of sectional rubber drums which are secured to a rotatable shaft 11. The roller .15 is and serve to strip the sheet from the rotatable elements and to guide it downwardly to the bite formed by -the rubber roller 15 and the pressure roller 2|.

One or more rotary fingers 88 are mounted on and aiiixed to a shaft 8| which is suitably driven by the driving mechanism for the machine as a whole. The operation of these fingers is so timed that they will engage the upper end of the sheet at about the time the lower end is held between the miler 15 and the pressure roller 2 I. As shown in Fig. 3, after engagement of the sheet by the rotary fingers, the sheet is caused to be bent to the right so that the succeeding sheet may be fedto the bite between the rollers 15 and 2| where it is engaged by the next succeeding tooth of the roller 15. By this means the sheets are spaced from one another and arranged in the correct order.

The pressure roller 2| cooperates with the rubber roller 15 to press the assembly so that the sheets which have been previously provided with a strip of adhesivesubstance will adhereto each by the roller-15 downwardly into contact with the surface ofthe drum 22 against which the roller 15 presses and on the surface of which the assembly will be deposited.

A lug 85 is mounted at one end of the container 58, and is engaged by a groove 86 formed in a bar 81. The bar 81 is mounted in a frame work which comprises alower plate 89, a vertical plate 98 and an upper plate 9| resting on the vertical plate and spaced thereby from the lower plate 89. The guide pins 92 are mounted in the lower and upper plates and extend through a suitable aperture in the bar 81 so that the bar may slide vertically between the upper and lower plates. A suitable recess 94 is formed in the up- I magnet 95 is positioned beneath the framework 88 and is provided with a core 98. A lug 91 extends downwardly from the bar 81 through a suitable opening 98 and is connected with the The sheets, as assembled, will be carried mounted on a cross bar |86, as shown in Figs. 4 and 9, this cross bar being suitably supported on the side frame Il of the machine. The switches |8| and |81 are provided with downwardly extending buttons or switch actuating members |82 -and |88 respectively, which, when they are displaced upwardly from the position shown in Fig.

4 to that shown in F18. 5, will operate the switch v to closethel circuit to the electromagnet.

A framework |85, comprising a horizontal member and vertical members |89 and ||8 depending therefrom, is secured to the cross bar |89 by means of a stud ||3. The vertical members may be secured to the horizontal member by means of suitable studs I2.

A stationary shaft |88 is carried at either end by the vertical members |89 and ||8, and on this shaft is pivoted a lever |83, which; cooperates with the switch actuating member |82`-and a lever ||4 for cooperation with the button |88. Each of the levers is provided with'a bent end 28|, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Each of the levers |83 and ||8 is provided with a rear extension ||5 and ||6 respec-v tively. A spring ||9 ls-provided for each ofthe levers to bias them in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 4, the spring being suitably mounted substantially as shown, wherein one end may be aiiixed to a pin ||1 on the rear extension ||5, and the other end aixed to a pin ||8 mounted on the horizontal member The spring for lever ||8 may be similarly mounted.

The right-hand end of the horizontal member as viewed in Fig. 4, may be forked and may carrya stationary shaft |28, from which shaft decore 99 by means vof ears 99 formed on the core and a bolt |88 which extends through the ears and through the lug in the usual manner. The electromagnet is spaced from the framework by means of spacing members 288. l

It will be seen that when the electromagnet is energized, the bar will be drawn downwardly against the compression of the spring 93, which, in turn, will cause the adhesive applying means |9 to be moved from the operative to the inoperative position. When the electromagnet is not energized, the adhesive applying device will remain in its operative position, substantially as shown in Fig. 3.

Switches |8| and |81, which may be connected in parallel with each other,- control the operation of the-electromagnet 95. These switches may be pend levers |2| and |22 which are pivotally mounted thereon. Each of these levers are provided with a stepped end surface at their lower extremity so as to provide a vertical face |23 and a horizontal face |28. The levers |2| and |22 are suitably biased in a clockwise direction. as viewed in Fig. 4, by means of a spring |21 lwhich extends between a pin |25 mounted on lever |2| and pin |26 mounted on vertical -member |89. The spring for lever |22 is similarly mounted.

Each of the levers |2| and |22 isprovided with an extension |28 and |29 respectively, these extensions extending downwardly into the path of a pin |38 which is mounted on an oscillating arm |3|.

It will ybe seen that upon displacement of either of the levers |83 and III against the bias of spring ||9, that the lever |2| acts as a detent to hold the lever |83 in a displaced position until such`time as the pin |38 on the oscillating arm |3| releases the detent. In its normal position, the vertical face |23 engages the end of the rear extension H5, but as soon as the lever |83 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the lever |2| will rotate under the action of spring |21 so that the horizontal face |24 will engage the rear exten-l sion ||5 and maintain the lever |83 in its -displaced position. This p osition of the parts is shown in Fig. 5. When either of the levers |83 or ||8 -is held in displaced position by the detent arrangement shown, they will be released at a predetermined time by the engagement of pin |38 with either of the extensions |28 or |29.

Reference now to Figs. 'l and 9 will disclose the mechanism for actuating the switches |8| and |81. A stub shaft |35 is suitablyv mounted in a journal |35, the journal being fixed by means of stu-ds |31 to the side frame member |8. Sprockets |38 and |39 are keyed to the stub shaft |35. The stub shaft |35 is driven by means of a sprocket chain |40, as shown in Fig. 2, which engages the sprocket |35, the sprocket chain |40 being driven by suitable means hereinafter described. A sprocket chain |4| connects the sprocket |35 with the sprocket |42, the latter sprocket having a crank pin |43 mounted thereon which is associated with the link 35. The reciprocating link 35 actuates the driving mechanisxn 34 for the carriage 25, as above mentioned. An eccentric |44 is suitably associated with the stub shaft |35, and a bearing |45 in the form of a sleeve or band is associated therewith.-

A connecting rod |45 is provided, its lower end being suitably connected to the .bearing |45, and its upper end terminating in a yoke |5| A stationary stub shaft |45 is suitably mounted on the side frame member I by means of a nut |40 in the usual manner. A hub |50 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft |40 by means of ball bearings |55. The hub |50 has an arm portion |41 extending outwardly therefrom, the outer `end thereof carrying a ball bearing |53. A pin |52 extends between the arms of the yoke and also extends through the ball bearing |55 so that the hub |50 and the arm |41 may be oscillated by means of the connecting rod |45. It will be noted that the oscillating arm |5| is also mounted on the hub |50 so that the motion of this arm is controlled by reciprocation of the connecting rod |45.

A hub |54 is rotatably mounted on the stub shaft |45 by means of ball bearings |55. This hub carries a brake drum |51 which cooperates with a stationary brake band |55 which is mounted on a supporting lug |55. A bracket |5| is suitably affixed to the side frame member I0 and carries the lug |50 and the brake band |55. Friction material |50 may be secured to the brake band |55. The brake band is suitably tensioned so that, as the hub |54 and its associated parte are rotated intermittently, there will be no tendency for overthrow of the hub. If desired, other suitable means such as `a locking device may be used to prevent overthrow of the hub.

A dowel |02 is mounted in the hub |54. A ratchet wheel |54 and a spacer |55 are mounted on the hub, these members being provided with suitable apertures `by means of which they may be fitted over the dowel. Studs |55 are provided which extend through the spacer and the ratchet and are screw-threaded into the hub. A dowel |51 is positioned in the spacer |55 and extends at one end into the ratchet and at the other end into a disc |55. Studs |55 are provided which extend through the 4disc and the spacer and are screw-threaded into the ratchet.

It will be seen that the means by which the disc |55 and the ratchet |54 are secured to the hub permits of easy removal of these parts and substitution of other interchangeable discs and ratchets. The dowel |52 is provided to facilitate the assembling of the ratchet and the Spacer with the hub, and the dowel l|51 is provided to facilitate the assembling of the -disc with the other parts of the hub assembly. It will be noted that the parts are so arranged that the disc may be interchanged without removing the ratchet or the spacer.

A pawl isrotatably mounted on the arm |41, as shown in Fig. 4, for cooperation with the ratchet |54. The pawl is suitably affixed to the arm |41 by means of a pin |1|, and is biased in la counter-clockwise direction by means of a spring |13 which extends from the pawl to a suitably located pin |12 on the arm |41.

A series of pins |14 is provided on one face of the disc |55, and a similar series of pins |15 may be provided on the opposite face of the disc.

A gear 202 is provided on the outer end of the shaft 31, and meshes with a gear 203 suitably mounted on a stub shaft 204. A sprocket 205 is also associated with the stub shaft 204 and engages the sprocket chain |40, these parts being shown in Fig. 2. Reference to Fig. l will indicate that a motor 205 drives the shaft 31 by suitable means, such as a belt 201 which drives the pulley 205, the pulley having a sprocket Wheel 200 affixed to it. A sprocket chain 2|0 connects the sprocket 205 with a large sprocket wheel 2|| which ls mounted on shaft 31. It will be seen, consequently, that the stub shaft |35 and its associated eccentric are driven from the shaft 31 by means above described, in timed relationship with the operation of the other elements of the machine. The shaft which drives the adhesive applying mechanism I9 is also driven from shaft 31 by means of a gear 2 I2 which is mounted on the shaft 31 and drives a gear 2|3 mounted on shaft 55, as shown in Fig. l. Therefore, the position of the eccentric |44, the connecting rod |45and the arms |41 and |3| bear a definite relationship to the position of the adhesive applying roller 5|. A pump motor 2|5 drives a i pump 2|5, as shown in Fig. 1 by means of a beit pump 2|5 and extends up one of the drilled passages in shaft 31. The conduit 220 connects the nozzles 41 with another pump which is not shown.

A belt 22| connects the pulley 222 on the shaft of the motor 2|5 with the pulley 223 so that the pump may be operated. A conduit 225 extends from the pump 224 to the other drilled passage of the shaft 31.

As the arm |41 is oscillated by the connecting rod |45, the ratchet |54 will be advanced step by step in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4. The angular displacement of the ratchet |54 during each step is determined by the angular spacing of the ratchet teeth. Although the throw of the arm |41 is fixed, only during the latter portion of its oscillation it is effective to advance the ratchet; during the first portion, the pawl |10 rides idly on the preceding tooth without advancing the ratchet. At intervals which are determined by the number oi teeth in the ratchet wheel and the number of pins in the disc |55, it will be seen that the lever |03 will be displaced upwardly by means of one of the pins |14, thereby causing the adhesive applying device to be rendered inoperative. Similarly, one of the pins |15 may displace the lever ||4 to depress the switch actuating button |05 which will also render the adhesive applying device inoperative.

It will be noted that the ratchet |54, which is shown in Fig. 4, is provided with 48 teeth, and the-disc |55 is provided with 24 equidistantly spaced pins, 12 being provided on each side of the disc. Reference to Fig. 8 shows a substituted ratchet and disc, the ratchet |03 being provided with 60 teeth. and the disc |50 being provided with 2 pins only, the pin |5| being on one side of the disc for cooperation with the lever |53, and the pin |52 being on the other side of the disc. The parts shown in Fig. 8 are arranged so that the adhesive applying device will be rendered inoperative once during every 30 cycles, whereas the parts shown in Fig. 4 are so arranged that the adhesive applying device is rendered inoperative once in every 2 cycles, thus producing ,assemblies having 30 sheets and 2 sheets respectively.

Reference to Fig. 10 will indicate the arrangement of the electrical circuit which operates the electromagnet 95. Reference numerals |85 and |86 represent conductors leading from the electromagnet 95 to a suitable source of power, a manual switch |81 being provided to disconnect the electromagnet. The switches and |01 are in parallel with each other and are interposed along the conductor |85 so that actuation of either one of these switches will close vthe-circuit to the electromagnet 95. Energizaticn of the electromagnet 95 will draw downwardly the bar 8l against the tension of spring 53, thereby tilting the adhesive applying device i2 in the clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 3, so that the' roller Fi will not contact the sheet. A manually actuated switch i may be provided in series adth the contacts till so that, when this switch is opened, the electromagnet will he energized at periods determined by the number ot pins on only one side of the disc 69. Consequently, with 'the parts shown in Figs. 4 and l0, the sheet assembhr device will be controlled to assemble vsheets in groups of two when the switch |89 is closed; when thisk switch is opened, sheets will be assembled in groups of four.

In Figs. 1l and 12, one unit |90 of assembled sheets is shown as it appears when removed from the machine.' Thev unit |90 is shown here as composed of iive sheets overlapped so as to leave an exposed portion |9| on each of the sheets which is beneath the top sheet |93. The several sheets are secured together at the' side edge the passive phase next succeeding the above mentioned active phase. This enables the adhesive to be omitted for one sheet without closely timing the action of the controlling means.

The detent arrangement is provided so that the circuit to the electromagnet may be held closed throughout the active phase of the adhesive applying device. It will be noted that the arrangement of the parts is such that the circuit is closed as soon as the disc begins to rotate, and the circuit remains closed during a part of the upward movement of the connecting rod |56 and shown at the top of Fig. 11 by reason of a small strip |92 of adhesive material such as glue which Waslapplied to each of the sheets with the exception of the top sheet |93. The several sheets can be readily separated when it is -desired to file them individually, yet the unit can be handled and passed through a printing or duplicating machine while the several sheetsare together. Thus the exposedportions |9| of the sheets may be Written or printed upon while the sheets are together, and the remainder of each sheet may then receive an individual message.

The operation of the machine is as above described in detail in connection with the various groups of parts. It will be seen thatafter `the stack 28 of sheets is placed in the machine, and

it is otherwise ready for operation, that the proper disc and the proper ratchet may be selected and secured to the hub |54 so that the 'sheets may be assembled in groups containing any predetermined number of sheets. The sheets are withdrawn one by one from the stack and adhesive is applied to each sheet by the adhesive applying device i9 as each sheet is transferred by the sheet transfer device `Hl down to the spacing device 20. The roller 2| and the drum 22 cooperate with the spacing device 29 to press the sheets into contact with each other so that their adhesive coating may hold them together.

l Whenever the circuit to the electromagnet 95 is throughout the entire downward stroke thereof. Consequently, the circuit is held closed through more than 186 of the cycle of rotation of the stub shaft |35. The stub shaft |35 rotates in one to one relationship with the shaft 52, and therefore the adhesive applying Adevice may be rendered inoperative throughout its entire active phase.

Reference to Fig. will indicate that the 48 tooth ratchet it may be oombinedwiththe disc E68, having 24 pins, to produce assemblies liaving 2 strips, or combined with'discs having 16, l2, 8, 6, e, 3 or 2 pins to produce assemblies having 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 or 24 strips, respectively. Similarly, reference to Figure 8 will indicate that the 60 tooth ratchet |83 may be combined with th@ disc |80, having two pins, tovproduce assemblies having30 strips, or combined with discs having l2, 6, 4 or 3 pins to produce assemblies having 5, 10, l5 or 20 strips, respectively.

ing 46, 48, 50, 52, 54,' 56, 58 or 66 teeth to produce assemblies having 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 33 sheets, respectively. v

The number of ratchets and discs which must be used in combination witheach other to probetween the teeth of the ratchet wheel having the greatest number of teeth must be more than one-half the angular distance between the adjacent teeth on the ratchetv wheel having the smallest number of teeth. Otherwise, the ratchet wheel 'is likely to be advanced more than one tooth at a time.

. While I prefer to employ the form and arrangement of parts as sh'own in my drawings and as above described, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to such form and arrangement except so far as the claims may be so limited. j

I claim:

1. Mechanism for counting the number of operations of a machine and for controlling the operation of said machine comprising a recipro- I eating pawl operable in timed relationship to said machine, a ratchet adapted to be advanced step by step by said pawl, a control member actuated by said ratchet upon advance by said ratchet through a predetermined number of steps, and means associated with said control member to maintain the same in actuated position for a predetermined length of time.

2.1n a sheet assembly device, sheet securing means, and means for rendering said sheet securing means inoperative comprising a rotatable member adapted to be advanced step by step through a predetermined angular distance in The disc may also be combined with ratchets haveach step, control means associated with said rotatable member including a displaceable mem ber adapted to be actuated by said rotatable member as it rotates through certain predetermined steps, retaining means for maintaining said displaceable member in displaced position, means for advancing said rotatable member in timed relationship with the operation of said sheet securing means, and means associated with said advancing means for causing the release of said retaining means, said displaceable member being associated with said sheet securing means toA render the same inoperative when displaced.

3. In a sheet assembling device, sheet securing means. and means for rendering said sheet securing means inoperative comprising a rotatable member adapted to be advanced step by step through a predetermined angular distance -in each step, control means associated with said rotatable member including a displaceable member adapted to be actuated by said rotatable member as it rotates through certain predetermined steps, retaining means i'or maintaining said displaceable member in displaced position, a pawl for advancing said rotatable member, means for oscillating said pawlin timed relationship with the operation of said sheet securing means, and means associated with said awl for causing the release of said retaining means. said displaceable member being associated vwith said' sheet securing means to render the same inoperative when displaced.

4. In a sheet assembling device, sheet securing means having a cycle of operation'including an active and a passive phase, and means for rendering said sheet securing means inoperative during a portion of said cycle, comprising a displaceable control member, means to displace said displaceable control member during the passive phase of a predetermined cycle of operation of said sheet securing means, retaining means for maintaining said displaceable member in displaced position during the active phase next succeeding said passive phase, vand means for the release of said retaining means during the passive phase next succeeding said active phase. 5. In a sheet assembling device, sheet securing means having a cycle of operation including an active and a passive phase, and means for rendering said sheet securing means inoperative during a portion of said cycle comprising a displaceablel control member, means to displace said displaceable control member during the passive phase of a cycle of operation of said sheet securing means, retaining means for maintaining said displaceable member in displaced position during the active phase. next succeeding said passive phase, means for the release oi' said retaining means during the passive phase next suceeding said active phase and means for selecting a cycle of operation during which said control member will be displaced.

6. Timing means for controlling the sheet securing means oi' a sheet assembling device comprising a series of interchangeable discs having equidistantly spaced projections thereon,v a member rotatable in timed relationship with said sheet securing means, means for securing one of said discs to said rotatable member, andan arm extending into the path of said projections and adapted to be displaced thereby to control said sheet securing means.

7. Timing means for the sheet securing means ci a sheet assembling device comprising a Series of interchangeable ratchets, a rotatable member mounted on said sheet'assembly device, a pawl associated with said sheet assembling device and operable in timedv relationship with said sheet securing means, means for securing one of said ratchets to said rotatable member, displaceable means for controlling the operation of said sheet securing means, and means associated with said rotatable member for engaging said displaceable means at regular intervals.

8. Timing means for the sheet securing means of a sheet assembling device comprising a series of interchangeable ratchets, a rotatable member mounted on said sheet assembly device, a pawl associated with said sheet assembling device and operable in timed relationship with said sheet securing means, means for securing one of said ratchets to said rotatable member, displaceable means for controlling the operation of said sheet securing means, and means associated with said rotatable member for engaging said displaceable means at regular intervals, said latter means including a disc having equidistantly spaced pro- .iections thereon, said disc constituting one o! a number of discs ineach of which the equidistantly spaced projections are spaced" from each other by a different amount.

9. Timing means for the sheet securing means of a sheet assembling device comprising an actuating member which oscillates through a given arc, a rotatable member adapted to be displaced step by step by said actuating member, and power means through which said actuating member drives said rotatable member comprising a part readily removable from position for enabling the easy substitution of an alternative part by which the timing of the operation o1' said rotatable member may be varied.

10. 'Iiming means for sheet securing means of a sheet assembling device comprising an actuating member which oscillates through a given arc. a rotatable member adapted to be displaced step by step by the motion of said actuating member in one direction, a displaceable control member, and means associated with said rotatable member for displacing said control member to render said sheet securing means inoperative, a detent to hold said control member in displaced position, and means associated with said actuating member to cause release of said detent by the motion of said actuating member in the opposite direction.

`11. Timing means for sheet securing means of a sheet assembling device comprising an actuating member which oscillates through a given arc, a pawl mounted on said actuating member, a rotatable member adapted to be displaced step by step by said pawl, a displaceable control member, means associated with said rotatable member for displacing said control member to render said sheet securing means inoperative, a detent to hold said control member in displaced position, means to cause release of said detent, said means extending into the path of said actuating member whereby said control member may return to normal position at a predetermined time during each cycle of operation of said actuating member.

12. A sheet assembling device comprising means to apply adhesive toseparate sheets of paper, means to position said sheets in overlapping relationship, means ior pressing said sheets against one another to cause them to adhere to each other. and means for rendering said adhesive applying means inoperative, said latter means including an electromagnet assoi ciated with said adhesive applying meansl and adapted to displace the same into an inoperative,

' rotating member and adapted to actuate said switch, and means to maintain said switch in its `operated position for a predetermined length oi' time.

13. A sheet assembling device comprising means to apply adhesive to separate sheets of paper, and meansl for rendering said adhesive applying means inoperative, including an electromagnet associated with said adhesive applying ber rotatable in timed relationship with said sheet securing means, a control member adapted to be displaced at regular intervalsc to render means and adapted to displace the same into an inoperative position, a circuit for saidelectromagnet two sets of contact means in parallel with each other in said circuit, operating members for each of said `contact means, and a rotatable disc having a series of projections extending from each face, each of said operating members extending into the path of one of said series of projections, means for rotating said disc in timed relationship with said sheet assembling device whereby said operating members will be displaced at predetermined intervals to render said adhesive applying means inoperative.

14. A sheet assembling device comprising means to apply adhesive to separate sheets of paper, and means for rendering` said adhesive vapplying means inoperative, including an elec' tromagnet associated with said adhesive apply- `ing `means and adapted to displace the same into an inoperative position, a circuit for said elecsaid sheet securing means inoperative, and

means associated with said'rotatable member for y displacing said control member, said means inf cluding a disc having equidistantly spaced pro- Jections thereon, said discl constituting one of a number of discs in each oi which the equidistantly spaced projections are spaced from each other by a diierent amount, and means for securing said disc to said rotatable member.

18. In an adhesive applying device including a roller having a eut away portion and an adhesive app'hring portion so that a strip o! adhesive of predetermined length is applied to successive sheets of paper which are fed past said roller,

means for displacing said roller at predetermined tromagnet, two sets of contact means in parallel,

with each other in said circuit, operating mem. bers for each of said contact means, a rotatable disc having a series of proiections extending from each face, each of said operating "members extending into the path of one of said series of projections, means for rotating said disc in timed relationship with said sheet assembling device whereby said operating members will be displaced at predetermined intervals to-render said adhesive applying means inoperative, and a switch in series with one of said contact means whereby said contact means may` be cut out of said circuit to change the length of said predetermined intervals.

15. Control means for the sheet securing means oi' a sheet assembling device comprising a inemtimes so that certain sheets may be skipped in a predetermined order, and control means for said displacing means comprising a member oscillating in one to one relationship with the `rotation of said roller, said oscillating member having a down stroke and an up stroke, a pawl associated with said oscillating member, a ratchet adapted to be advanced step by step by said pawl y during the down stroke of said oscillating member, a displaceable control member for controlling the displacement of said roller, means associated with said ratchet for displacing said control member as said ratchet is advanced through certain predetermined steps, and means for retaining said control member in displaced position throughout the next succeeding upstroke of said oscillating member whereby said roller is retained in displaced position throughout the time during which said adhesive applying portion is opposite the sheet being fed past said roller at that time.

17. Timing means for the sheet securing means oi' a sheetassembling mechanism comprising an oscillating actuating member, a rotatable member adapted to be displaced step by step by said actuating member, power means through which 

